PTI's Zulfi Bukhari to Speak at US Congress on Political Repression in Pakistan

PTI leader Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, a former aide to ex-premier Imran Khan, will testify on 'political repression' in Pakistan before the United States Congress’ Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. The bipartisan commission promotes and defends international human rights. The hearing will be held on Tuesday to examine Pakistan's persecution of opposition figures and journalists, and its actions to control media and elections.

The commission mentioned the repression in Pakistan since 2022, involving the military's role in ousting and imprisoning Prime Minister Imran Khan. The 2024 elections faced restrictions on freedoms, electoral violence, and human rights limitations according to the US State Department.

Witnesses at the hearing include Bukhari, Amnesty International's Ben Linden, Perseus Strategies' Jared Genser, and Afghanistan Impact Network's Sadiq Amini. The session will discuss Pakistan's political repression and offer recommendations.

Bukhari expressed gratitude for the opportunity to testify on July 9. He will highlight the detention of Imran Khan and erosion of democracy in Pakistan. Imran is currently imprisoned in a corruption case and faces trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The Freedom Network's report for 2025 highlighted threats to media freedom in Pakistan due to amendments in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also expressed concerns over shrinking space for human rights advocacy.

According to the source: Dawn.